Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5917

Introduced
3/1/23  

Caption

The Rourke Act

Impact

One of the critical provisions of H5917 is the imposition of physical distance regulations on perpetrators of domestic violence. Specifically, individuals convicted of domestic assault will be legally prohibited from coming within 100 feet of the survivors or their children’s schools. This legal boundary is designed to enhance the safety and peace of mind of victims and their families. In conjunction with this, the bill mandates that such individuals must wear monitoring ankle bracelets to ensure compliance with the distance requirements, thereby enabling real-time tracking of their location relative to the survivor.

Summary

House Bill 5917, also known as The Rourke Act, represents a significant legislative effort aimed at enhancing protections for victims of domestic violence in the state. This bill proposes the establishment of a survivor support fund with a guaranteed annual appropriation of at least five million dollars dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic assault. The fund is intended to provide crucial resources for individuals seeking safety and support following incidents of domestic violence, thereby strengthening the state's commitment to addressing these urgent social concerns.

Contention

Moreover, the bill introduces strict firearm restrictions for individuals with a history of domestic violence. Under H5917, any individual convicted of domestic violence will not be allowed to own, possess, or carry firearms within state borders. This provision aims to mitigate potential threats to survivors, as access to firearms has been a significant factor in domestic violence cases. Despite the overall protective intentions of this legislation, discussions around the bill may raise points of contention regarding the balance between public safety measures and rights of the accused, particularly in relation to monitoring and firearm ownership restrictions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI HB1838

Relating To Visas.

RI SB0261

Civil procedure: other; civil actions for criminal sexual conduct; provide exception to notice requirements for actions filed in the court of claims. Amends sec. 6431 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.6431). TIE BAR WITH: SB 257'25

RI HB8426

Crime Survivor Support and Stability Act of 2026

RI H1587

Relative to justice for survivors

RI SB0258

Civil procedure: statute of limitations; civil actions for criminal sexual conduct; modify period of limitations. Amends sec. 5805 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.5805). TIE BAR WITH: SB 259'25, SB 257'25

RI HB5121

FAMILY JUSTICE CENTERS ACT

RI HB4949

FAMILY JUSTICE CENTERS ACT

RI SB0257

Civil procedure: statute of limitations; civil actions for criminal sexual conduct; extend period of limitations, and add grace period for past occurrences. Amends sec. 5851b of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.5851b). TIE BAR WITH: SB 258'25, SB 259'25

RI SB0259

Civil procedure: statute of limitations; statute of limitations for criminal sexual conduct violations; revise statute of limitations and notice requirements for actions against state government. Amends sec. 6452 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.6452). TIE BAR WITH: SB 258'25, SB 257'25

RI S1562

Supporting survivors through financial assistance

Similar Bills

SC H3038

Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights

VA SB1005

Sexual assault patients; services, provision of information.

VA HB1731

Services for sexual assault patients; provision of information for sexual assault patients; Task Force on Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault; work group; report.

MS HR86

Crime Survivors Speak Mississippi Day; designate March 11, 2026 as.

MS SC536

Commend Crime Victims Survivors Program and recognize "Crime Survivors Speak Mississippi Day."

MA H2466

Supporting survivors through financial assistance

MA S1562

Supporting survivors through financial assistance

IA HR13

A resolution designating the month of June, annually, as Cancer Survivors Month, and the first Sunday in June, annually, as Cancer Survivors Day.